UH players arrive to the stadium to play Vanderbilt in the BBVA Compass Bowl.

UH players arrive to the stadium to play Vanderbilt in the BBVA Compass Bowl.

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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UH head coach Tony Levine arrives to the stadium before the Cougars played Vanderbilt in the BBVA Compass Bowl.

UH head coach Tony Levine arrives to the stadium before the Cougars played Vanderbilt in the BBVA Compass Bowl.

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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UH players are greeted by the school band before the BBVA Compass Bowl against Vanderbilt.

UH players are greeted by the school band before the BBVA Compass Bowl against Vanderbilt.

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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Nov. 29: UH 34, SMU 0Record: 8-4

UH quarterback John O'Korn attempts a pass against the Mustangs.

Nov. 29: UH 34, SMU 0Record: 8-4

UH quarterback John O'Korn attempts a pass against the Mustangs.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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UH running back Ryan Jackson scores against SMU on a 37-yard touchdown run.

UH running back Ryan Jackson scores against SMU on a 37-yard touchdown run.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Eric Braswell of the Cougars sacks and forces a fumble against SMU quarterback Neal Burcham.

Eric Braswell of the Cougars sacks and forces a fumble against SMU quarterback Neal Burcham.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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UH running back Ryan Jackson attempts to gain yardage against SMU.

UH running back Ryan Jackson attempts to gain yardage against SMU.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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UH running back Kent Brooks scores a touchdown against SMU.

UH running back Kent Brooks scores a touchdown against SMU.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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UH linebacker Derrick Mathews tackles Nate Halverson of SMU.

UH linebacker Derrick Mathews tackles Nate Halverson of SMU.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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UH cornerback Zachary McMillian intercepts a pass against SMU.

UH cornerback Zachary McMillian intercepts a pass against SMU.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Eric Eiland of the Cougars returns a fumble recovery to the 1-yard line of SMU.

Eric Eiland of the Cougars returns a fumble recovery to the 1-yard line of SMU.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Greg Ward of UH catches a 19-yard touchdown pass from John O'Korn against SMU.

Greg Ward of UH catches a 19-yard touchdown pass from John O'Korn against SMU.

Photo: Smiley N. Pool / Houston Chronicle

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Nov. 23: Cincinnati 24, UH 17Record: 7-4

UH receiver Daniel Spencer runs after a catch against Cincinnati.

Nov. 23: Cincinnati 24, UH 17Record: 7-4

UH receiver Daniel Spencer runs after a catch against Cincinnati.

Photo: J. Patric Schneider / For the Chronicle

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Greg Blair of Cincinnati recovers a fumble against UH.

Greg Blair of Cincinnati recovers a fumble against UH.

Photo: J. Patric Schneider / For the Chronicle

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UH quarterback John O'Korn looks to make a pass against Cincinnati.

UH quarterback John O'Korn looks to make a pass against Cincinnati.

Photo: J. Patric Schneider / For the Chronicle

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UH quarterback John O'Korn looks to make a pass against Cincinnati.

UH quarterback John O'Korn looks to make a pass against Cincinnati.

Photo: J. Patric Schneider / For the Chronicle

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UH quarterback John O'Korn attempts a pass versus Cincinnati.

UH quarterback John O'Korn attempts a pass versus Cincinnati.

Photo: J. Patric Schneider / For the Chronicle

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UH defensive back Adrian McDonald celebrates with teammate Trevon Stewart after making an interception against Cincinnati.

UH defensive back Adrian McDonald celebrates with teammate Trevon Stewart after making an interception against Cincinnati.

Photo: J. Patric Schneider / For the Chronicle

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UH defensive back Adrian McDonald celebrates with teammate Trevon Stewart after making an interception against Cincinnati.

UH defensive back Adrian McDonald celebrates with teammate Trevon Stewart after making an interception against Cincinnati.

Photo: J. Patric Schneider / For the Chronicle

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UH head coach Tony Levine watches the Cougars take on Cincinnati from the sidelines.

UH head coach Tony Levine watches the Cougars take on Cincinnati from the sidelines.

Photo: J. Patric Schneider / For the Chronicle

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UH cheerleaders during the Cougars' game against Cincinnati.

UH cheerleaders during the Cougars' game against Cincinnati.

Photo: J. Patric Schneider / For the Chronicle

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UH fans during the Cougars' game against Cincinnati.

UH fans during the Cougars' game against Cincinnati.

Photo: J. Patric Schneider / For the Chronicle

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A UH fan braves the cold weather to watch the Cougars face Cincinnati.

A UH fan braves the cold weather to watch the Cougars face Cincinnati.

Photo: J. Patric Schneider / For the Chronicle

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Nov. 16: Louisville 20, UH 13Record: 7-3

John O'Korn #5 of the Cougars throws a pass.

Nov. 16: Louisville 20, UH 13Record: 7-3

John O'Korn #5 of the Cougars throws a pass.

Photo: Andy Lyons / Getty Images

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Dominique Brown #10 of the Cardinals runs with the ball.

Dominique Brown #10 of the Cardinals runs with the ball.

Photo: Andy Lyons / Getty Images

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Dominique Brown #10 of the Cardinals runs with the ball while defended by Efrem Oliphant

Dominique Brown #10 of the Cardinals runs with the ball while defended by Efrem Oliphant

Photo: Andy Lyons / Getty Images

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Dominique Brown #10 of the Cardinals runs with the ball while defended by Efrem Oliphant #50 of the Cougars.

Dominique Brown #10 of the Cardinals runs with the ball while defended by Efrem Oliphant #50 of the Cougars.

Photo: Andy Lyons / Getty Images

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Teddy Bridgewater #5 of the Cardinals throws a pass.

Teddy Bridgewater #5 of the Cardinals throws a pass.

Photo: Andy Lyons / Getty Images

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Teddy Bridgewater #5 of the Cardinals is sacked by Kelechi Ejekam #41 of the Cougars.

Teddy Bridgewater #5 of the Cardinals is sacked by Kelechi Ejekam #41 of the Cougars.

Photo: Andy Lyons / Getty Images

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Senorise Perry #32 of the Cardinals runs with the ball.

Senorise Perry #32 of the Cardinals runs with the ball.

Photo: Andy Lyons / Getty Images

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John O'Korn #5 of the Cougars runs with the ball.

John O'Korn #5 of the Cougars runs with the ball.

Photo: Andy Lyons / Getty Images

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Daniel Spencer #4 of the Cougars runs with the ball.

Daniel Spencer #4 of the Cougars runs with the ball.

Photo: Andy Lyons / Getty Images

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Greg Ward Jr #1 of the Cougars dives forward for yardage.

Greg Ward Jr #1 of the Cougars dives forward for yardage.

Photo: Andy Lyons / Getty Images

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Nov. 9: USF 19, UH 14Record: 7-2

Houston quarterback John O'Korn, left, is thrown for a loss as he is tackled by Central Florida's Troy Gray during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/John Raoux) less

Nov. 9: USF 19, UH 14Record: 7-2

Houston quarterback John O'Korn, left, is thrown for a loss as he is tackled by Central Florida's Troy Gray during the first half of an NCAA college football game in ... more

Photo: John Raoux / Associated Press

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Houston quarterback John O'Korn (5) is tackled by Central Florida linebacker Troy Gray, top, and defensive back Jordan Ozerities, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/John Raoux) less

Houston quarterback John O'Korn (5) is tackled by Central Florida linebacker Troy Gray, top, and defensive back Jordan Ozerities, right, during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Orlando, Fla., ... more

Photo: John Raoux / Associated Press

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Central Florida running back Storm Johnson (8) gains yardage as he gets past Houston's Adrian McDonald (16) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/John Raoux) less

Central Florida running back Storm Johnson (8) gains yardage as he gets past Houston's Adrian McDonald (16) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP ... more

Photo: John Raoux / Associated Press

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Houston running back Ryan Jackson, left, looks for a way around Central Florida's Thomas Niles (69) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP Photo/John Raoux) less

Houston running back Ryan Jackson, left, looks for a way around Central Florida's Thomas Niles (69) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (AP ... more

Photo: John Raoux / Associated Press

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Quarterback Blake Bortles of Central Florida makes a throw against Houston in the first half at Bright House Networks Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/MCT) less

Quarterback Blake Bortles of Central Florida makes a throw against Houston in the first half at Bright House Networks Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando ... more

Photo: Stephen M. Dowell / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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Wide receiver Breshad Perriman of Central Florida is injured on a play where defensive back Zach McMillian (3) of Houston was called for targeting in the second half at Bright House Networks Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. Perriman was taken out on a stretcher and McMillian was ejected from the game. (Joshua Cruey/Orlando Sentinel/MCT) less

Wide receiver Breshad Perriman of Central Florida is injured on a play where defensive back Zach McMillian (3) of Houston was called for targeting in the second half at Bright House Networks Stadium in ... more

Photo: Joshua Cruey / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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Quarterback Blake Bortles of Central Florida makes a throw against Houston in the first half at Bright House Networks Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/MCT) less

Quarterback Blake Bortles of Central Florida makes a throw against Houston in the first half at Bright House Networks Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando ... more

Photo: Stephen M. Dowell / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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Defensive back Trevon Stewart (23) of Houston celebrates after intercepting a pass by Blake Bortles of Central Florida in the first half at Bright House Networks Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/MCT) less

Defensive back Trevon Stewart (23) of Houston celebrates after intercepting a pass by Blake Bortles of Central Florida in the first half at Bright House Networks Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday, Nov. 9, ... more

Photo: Stephen M. Dowell / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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Running back Storm Johnson (8) of Central Florida bangs through Houston defenders in the first half at Bright House Networks Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/MCT) less

Running back Storm Johnson (8) of Central Florida bangs through Houston defenders in the first half at Bright House Networks Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando ... more

Photo: Stephen M. Dowell / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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Wide receiver Jeff Godfrey (2) of Central Florida comes down with a reception as defensive back Trevon Stewart (23) of Houston drags him down in the first half at Bright House Networks Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2013. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/MCT) less

Wide receiver Jeff Godfrey (2) of Central Florida comes down with a reception as defensive back Trevon Stewart (23) of Houston drags him down in the first half at Bright House Networks Stadium in Orlando, ... more

Photo: Stephen M. Dowell / McClatchy-Tribune News Service

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Oct. 26: UH 35, USF 23Record: 7-1

South Florida quarterback Mike White, left, is tackled by Houston linebacker Derrick Mathews during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, James Nielsen) MANDATORY CREDIT less

Oct. 26: UH 35, USF 23Record: 7-1

South Florida quarterback Mike White, left, is tackled by Houston linebacker Derrick Mathews during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Oct. 31, ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Associated Press

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Houston wide receiver Demarcus Ayers, left, is tackled by South Florida defensive back Brandon Salinas during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, James Nielsen) MANDATORY CREDIT less

Houston wide receiver Demarcus Ayers, left, is tackled by South Florida defensive back Brandon Salinas during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, in Houston. (AP ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Associated Press

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South Florida defensive back Johnny Ward, right, tackles Houston running back Ryan Jackson during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, James Nielsen) MANDATORY CREDIT less

South Florida defensive back Johnny Ward, right, tackles Houston running back Ryan Jackson during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Houston ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Associated Press

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South Florida defensive back Johnny Ward, right, tackles Houston running back Ryan Jackson during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, James Nielsen) MANDATORY CREDIT less

South Florida defensive back Johnny Ward, right, tackles Houston running back Ryan Jackson during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Houston ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Associated Press

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Houston running back Kenneth Farrow carries against South Florida during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, James Nielsen) MANDATORY CREDIT less

Houston running back Kenneth Farrow carries against South Florida during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, James Nielsen) ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Associated Press

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Houston running back Kenneth Farrow, left, celebrates with Xavier Maxwell after Farrow scored a touchdown against South Florida during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, James Nielsen) MANDATORY CREDIT less

Houston running back Kenneth Farrow, left, celebrates with Xavier Maxwell after Farrow scored a touchdown against South Florida during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Oct. 31, ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Associated Press

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South Florida quarterback Mike White, left, is tackled by Houston linebacker Derrick Mathews during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, James Nielsen) MANDATORY CREDIT less

South Florida quarterback Mike White, left, is tackled by Houston linebacker Derrick Mathews during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Houston ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Associated Press

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South Florida Bulls quarterback Mike White calls out a play against Houston during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, James Nielsen) MANDATORY CREDIT less

South Florida Bulls quarterback Mike White calls out a play against Houston during the first half of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, James ... more

Photo: James Nielsen / Associated Press

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Houston defensive back Thomas Bates, right, breaks up a pass to South Florida wide receiver Deonte Welch during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Thursday, Oct. 31, 2013, in Houston. (AP Photo/Houston Chronicle, James Nielsen) MANDATORY CREDIT less

Houston defensive back Thomas Bates, right, breaks up a pass to South Florida wide receiver Deonte Welch during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game Thursday, O